The Contract Drafting Guidebook

The focus of this manual is not what provisions to include in a given contract, but instead how to express those provisions in prose that is free ofthe problems that often afflict contracts.

Drafting and Analyzing Contracts (called Drafting Contracts in its first two editions) has three major parts: Part I is organized around the topics that are studied in the first year Contracts course. Part II teaches the skills of contract drafting. Part III teaches how to read a contract. The purpose of this book is to apply the principles of contract law to the drafting of agreements. Each chapter discusses the substance of contracts as applied to drafting and suggests language that may be employed to accomplish the purpose. Drafting and Analyzing Contracts uses drafting to: exemplify the principles of contract law illustrate the principles in a planning context develop the skills of a lawyer. Part I (How the Principles of Contract Law are Exemplified in Drafting) contains 14 chapters that illuminate the substantive law. For example: Chapter 7 demonstrates the problems that can arise from ambiguity and how to cure them; and Chapter 10 makes clear how drafters can use the concept of conditions to accomplish their goals. This Part is particularly useful to supplement the first-year Contracts class. Part II (How the Principles of Drafting are Exemplified in Contracts) teaches techniques for contract drafting, including Drafting in Plain Language and Drafting with a Computer. This Part reinforces the substantive law and is particularly useful for upper-division classes that teach drafting. Part III (How to Read and Analyze a Contract) shows how attorneys rely on forms and models where there is no opportunity for drafting. Therefore, attorneys must first read a contract before re-drafting it or explaining it to a client. Students who follow the "5 passes" process for reading contracts will develop and deepen their analytical skills. A thorough Teacher's Manual (available only to professors) provides guidance on teaching drafting, commentary on all parts of the book, solutions to all the problems, additional problems, and a bibliography.

From concept to closure, A Practical Guide to Drafting Contracts provides detailed instruction for drafting contracts. Moreover, it teaches readers how to adapt existing contracts and forms to the specific needs of their client--as is frequently done by lawyers in legal practice. Step-by-step instruction and examples unpack the purpose of each provision for a wide range of contracts and integrate the basic principles that apply to both domestic and international transactions. Practice exercises further develop students’ drafting skills, as well as their working knowledge of the language and syntax of contract law. New to the Second Edition: Enhanced coverage of negotiating and drafting contracts in the United States Mind-mapping exercises that help learners think deeply about key contract provisions and their effect on other important aspects of the contract New contract simulations and drafting exercises Clear signposting of text and exercises specifically written for non-native speakers Professors and students will benefit from: Step-by-step instruction through the entire drafting process In-depth explanations and helpful examples Insights into the strategic decisions behind drafting contracts Hands-on exercises that: Raise awareness of commonly occurring contract provisions Encourage use of phrasing appropriate to audience and purpose Build familiarity with the legal principles of contracts Provide practice modifying forms and contracts drafted by other parties Discussion of U.S. law regarding key contract provisions and drafting issues Online Student Resources including: Additional exercises A wealth of sample APA contracts, Consulting Agreements, and Distribution Contracts that students are encouraged to mine for appropriate language and provisions in the process of drafting new contracts

This book addresses the process and principles of contract management in construction from an international perspective. It presents a well-structured, in-depth analysis of construction law doctrines necessary to understand the fundamentals of contract management. The book begins with an introduction to contract management and contract law and formation. It then discusses the various parties to a contract and their relevant obligations, whether they are engineers, contractors or subcontractors. It also addresses standard practices when drafting and revising contracts, as well as what can be expected in standard contracts general clauses. Two chapters are dedicated to contract clauses, with one focused on contract administration such as schedules, payment certificates and defects liability, and the other focused on contract management, such as terminations, dispute resolutions and claims. This book provides a useful reference to engineers, project managers and students within the field of engineering and construction management.